Method and device for the extractive triboelectric measurements of dust and aerosols in streaming gases

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method and a device for the extractive triboelecric measurement of dust and aerosols. A partial gas stream is removed from the main stream, optionally conditioned and drawn through the triboelectric measuring chamber ( 5 ) by suction, with a variable or constant temperature, at a variable or constant speed and with an abradant rotational movement. Sensors ( 16 ) are arranged in said measuring chamber ( 5 ) in such a way that they are electrically insulated. The triboelectric effect begins when the gas stream that is loaded with dust particles and aerosols passes through the triboelectric measuring chamber ( 5 ), preferably in a cyclonic manner, moving rotationally, abradantly on the sensors ( 16 ). The triboelectric measuring signals are derived therefrom and supplied for processing. Since gaseous components cannot be measured according to the triboelectric measuring principal, the temperature is controlled intermittently at two temperatures in the chamber. The aerosol concentration is determined from the differences between the triboelectric signal at the low temperature, which is caused by dust and aerosols, and the triboelectric signal at the higher temperature, which is caused by dust alone.

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for measuring dust and aerosols in streaming gases using the triboelectrical principle, with its signaling effect being amplified by taking appropriate measures as regards process-engineering and hardware design.

[0002] To use the invention, a partial stream is branched off from the main stream and conditioned in a way deemed fit for the purpose, after which the dust and aerosol content is determined by making use of the triboelectrical principle.

[0003] In their technical paper “Grundlage Ladungsdifferenz, triboelektrische Staubmessung unter theoretischen und praktischen Gesichtspunkten”¹, published as reprint from “Verfahrenstechnik” 12/97, H Födisch and D Richter suggest—among other things—that charge transfer occurs when two bodies are brought in contact to each other by touching or rubbing. The surface atoms exchange their electrons so that a boundary layer is created with a positive and a negative surface charge being very close to each other, in a molecular scale. Said differential charge forms the basis of triboelectric measuring devices. Among other things, the impact of the dust particles' velocity on the measuring result is discussed in the above paper, and the findings suggest that after calibration the dust concentration can be determined by combining triboelectric signal and velocity for a certain measurement problem.

[0004] A novel dust measuring device, based on the triboelectrical principle, was introduced by H Födisch, P Schengber and U Riemann, as published in “VDI Berichte”, N^(o) 1443, 1999, p. 447-458. To this end, reference is also made to the publication of the unexamined application DE 197 29 144 A1, according to which highly precise measuring results are obtained due to the selected probe design in connection with an appropriate scoring hardware. The related dust concentration measuring device is employed for continuous dust content measurements, in particular for pollution control and determination of dust concentration in process monitoring applications. Also, it should be underlined that above all the impact of the dust particles' velocity on the triboelectric signal was evaluated in an appropriate way so that reproducible results could be obtained.

[0005] Furthermore, reference is made to the printed patent specification DD 297 902 A7. The Invention is based on the problem of automatically sampling a partial stream from a solid matter laden gas main stream, allowing identical dispersion conditions in both the gas main and partial stream in view of the measuring process to follow.

[0006] The reason why reference is made to the printed patent specification DD 297 902 A7 is because also in this Invention, to be described in greater detail herein below, a gas stream is branched off and measurements taken after the stream is treated in an appropriate way. To all intents and purposes, sampling a partial stream is an extractive dust measuring method.

[0007] Taking into account the prior art, this is to suggest a method and a device for measuring dust and aerosols by which, after sampling a partial stream, the triboelectric effect is used with the object of obtaining a higher signal quality and an improved method for scoring the measurements.

[0008] According to the invention the problem is solved as described herein below, and as to the fundamental inventive ideas reference is made to claims 1 and 8. The further invention results from claims 2 through to 7 and 9 through to 15.

[0009] The solution to the problem is now described in further detail.

[0010] As already mentioned, rubbing two bodies against each other will create a positive and a negative charge, with the difference between these two charges being the fundamental effect triboelectric measuring devices are relying on. The level of said potential difference, that is to say the amount of charge exchanged, depends on a great number of factors. One dependence results from the materials' electric properties. The much more decisive factors, however, are of a mechanical nature, such as the streaming particles' velocity, the duration of contact, the size of exchange area, the rubbing intensity and the frequency of contacts. Therefore, the inventive proposal, forming the basis of a new generation of triboelectric measuring devices, works on the assumption that it should be possible to adjust stream conditions and flue gas boundary parameters is such a way as is suited for determining dust content, aerosols concentration and/or dust and aerosols together in the stream branched off.

[0011] This will be achieved by specifically varying the partial gas stream's temperature in such a way that aerosols alternatively evaporate or exist in form of liquid drops that can be measured by using the triboelectric effect. As regards the technical implementation, the partial gas stream is heated and—if required—diluted to a definite mixture by adding dry, pre-heated, dust-free air.

[0012] In this invention, the intensity with which dust and aerosol particles are rubbing across the sensors, that may come in different shape and surface types, is increased by some kind of particle cycloning when they are moving through the triboelectrical measuring chamber.

[0013] In contrast to in-situ measurements, in which the gas main stream may have diameters of several meters which in turn makes it difficult to control its flow rate, it now becomes possible to maintain constant conditions as regards the partial stream branched-off and considerably increase its velocity when entering the measuring chamber. Due to the stream's cyclonic motion, a large distance is covered inside the measuring chamber. Hence, both duration and intensity of rubbing as well as frequency of contacts can be directly controlled and changed if needed.

[0014] The triboelectrical measuring chamber may be arranged immediately inside as well as outside the gas main stream. In all cases, the signal recording will be effected by one or more measuring probes, all of them being subjected to the same flowing conditions inside the triboelectrical measuring chambers.

[0015] The measuring probes' design include separately arranged shells or other probes with definite flow resistance values which will be further discussed herein below.

[0016] Also, horizontal or vertical flow conditions at probes situated in central locations or other places are possible, after having increased the dust and aerosol particles' velocity in advance.

[0017] The triboelectric signals are conducted by appropriate electric cables and transmitted to further processing.

[0018] The probe for sampling the dust-laden gas and/or dust-and-aerosol particle mixture can be heated and is designed in such a way that right after the partial gas stream (at a temperature similar to that of the gas main stream) enters the sampling probe a diluent air stream at a definite temperature can be added to the partial gas stream by using a proportioning nozzle.

[0019] The partial gas stream, after possible dilution now being the measuring gas stream, is accelerated by means of an injector and guided through the triboelectrical measuring chamber.

[0020] Using for example a multi-way spherical valve, both triboelectrical measuring chamber and sampling probe can be flushed with flushing air.

[0021] A volume flow metering and/or monitoring device is integrated in the gas metering section so that constant conditions can be maintained for the partial gas stream, or computerized compensation is enabled as regards the impact the volume flow fluctuations may have on the triboelectric signal, respectively.

[0022] Below, the invention will be described by a practical example. The figures show pictorial schematics as follows:

[0023]FIG. 1—Device for continuous extractive dust content measurements with the measuring chamber being arranged outside the gas main stream

[0024]FIG. 2—Device for continuous extractive dust content measurements with the measuring chamber being arranged inside the gas main stream

[0025]FIG. 3—Device for continuous extractive dust content measurements in moist and tacky flue gases

[0026]FIG. 4—Aerosol measurements by means of a device for continuous extractive dust content measurements using a specific chamber with an intermittent temperature regime

[0027]FIG. 5—Device for aerosol measurements, using two parallel triboelectrical measuring chambers working at two different temperature levels

[0028]FIG. 6—Longitudinal section view of a triboelectrical, tube-shaped measuring chamber with some kind of a forced cycloning of gas particles

[0029]FIG. 7—Longitudinal sectional view of a triboelectrical, tube-shaped measuring chamber according to FIG. 6, where the distance between two shell-like sensors can be distinguished

[0030]FIG. 8—Sectional view A-A, according to FIG. 6

[0031]FIG. 9—Sectional view B-B, according to FIG. 6

[0032]FIG. 10—Sectional view C-C, based on to FIG. 6 with four sensors being used

[0033]FIG. 11—Example of sensors in the triboelectrical measuring chamber, with tangential flow conditions

[0034]FIG. 12—Example of sensors in the triboelectrical measuring chamber, with vertical and horizontal flow conditions

[0035] Reference numbers can be taken from the attached List of Reference Numbers.

[0036] As shown FIG. 1, a hook-shaped probe (1) the diameter of which is designed for an isokinetic sampling projects into the into the gas main stream flowing through a flue duct. A flange (13) is used to secure the hook-shaped probe (1) onto the flue duct. The probe for sampling measuring gas (2) is arranged downstream the hook-shaped probe (1). Gas sampling is made in a way in which a partial gas stream, still having the same temperature as the gas main stream, is branched off from the gas main stream and guided into the triboelectrical measuring chamber (5) immediately after it enters the sampling probe (2). Inside the triboelectrical measuring chamber (5), the measuring gas laden with dust particles and aerosols is cycloned, and the rubbing effect of these motion causes triboelectric signals to be generated.

[0037] The measuring gas stream is propelled by an injector (7) that is driven by a power air blower (9). A volume flow metering and/or monitoring device is integrated in the gas metering section so that constant conditions can be maintained for the partial gas stream, or computerized compensation is enabled as regards the impact the volume flow fluctuations may have on the triboelectric signal, respectively.

[0038] Integrating a multi-way spherical valve (4) into the device enables cyclic back-flushing of the triboelectrical measuring chamber (5) and the sampling probe (2), using power air supplied from the injector (7). The line through which the gas exits from the device is marked with position reference 8.

[0039]FIG. 2, in contrast to FIG. 1, shows a useful variation in which the triboelectrical measuring chamber (5) is arranged in the gas main stream. The hook-shaped probe (1) is used for sampling, after which the sample, now being the partial gas stream, is fed into the triboelectrical measuring chamber (5).

[0040]FIGS. 3 and 4 show how the triboelectric signals are generated when dust is contained in moist and tacky flue gases, that is to say we are talking about determination of aerosols in addition to dust measurements.

[0041] According to the invention, aerosol measuring is a differential measurement, in which all measurable particles and aerosols are measured and compared with the solid particles alone. If there is in place a flue gas matrix that contains volatile condensible components (organic compounds, water or acids), said components will exist in either gaseous or liquid/solid state, depending on the temperature. Gaseous components cannot be measured after the triboelectrical principle. It exists a temperature T2 at which the aerosols contained in the partial gas stream are completely evaporated. In this case, nothing else than dust is detected. At a second temperature T1, this temperature being lower than the first one, the volatile condensible components exist in form of aerosols in addition to the dust already in place. The difference found by comparing “dust plus aerosol” and “dust alone” is the desired “aerosol” value.

[0042] Hence, the hardware configuration of the device as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 needs to be supplemented.

[0043] After taking the flue gas sample by using the hook-shaped probe (1) and the probe for sampling measuring gas (2) as already described in greater detail, the branched-off partial gas stream is subjected to an intermittent temperature regime. This process is taking place in a specific chamber with intermittent temperature regime (15). In order to implement such intermittent temperature regime, use is made of a regulated probe heating device (3). Diluent air is supplied by a flushing air blower (10) with preceding suction filter (12).

[0044] The temperature regime applied during measuring the aerosol components as shown in FIG. 4 is maintained by employing a temperature measuring device (6).

[0045] According to FIG. 5, aerosol measuring is made in two triboelectrical measuring chambers (5) working at two different temperature levels. In line with such layout, the partial stream taken by the hook-shaped probe (1) is divided into two branch streams each of them being heated up by a regulated Probe heating device (3) specifically assigned to that branch in order to maintain a defined differential temperature. After exiting from the two triboelectrical measuring chambers (5), the differential temperatures Ta and Tb are determined by measuring devices (6).

[0046] The subsequent FIGS. 6 through to 12 relate to suggestions in accordance with the invention, concerning the triboelectrical measuring chambers (5) as such or the design and layout of the sensors (16) inside said triboelectrical measuring chambers (5).

[0047] The triboelectrical measuring chamber (5) is now described in greater detail on the basis of a practical example with shell-like sensors (16).

[0048] According to FIG. 8, a dust/aerosol laden partial stream enters the intake cylinder (19) through the intake piece (20). The partial stream is discharged through an outlet cylinder (21) with tangentially arranged outlet pieces (22; please cf. FIG. 9).

[0049] Electrically conductive, shell-like sensors (16) are arranged inside the tube-shaped triboelectrical measuring chamber (5). FIG. 7 shows the sensors' (16) shell-like structure. Electrical contact is prevented by the distance (26) in which the sensors (16) are located to each other. Other constructional measures prevent the sensors' (16) far ends from making electrical contact with the intake and outlet cylinders (19, 21). The sensors' (16) outward surfaces are wrapped in an insulating layer (18). This insulation layer prevents loss of heat and is non-conducting to electric current.

[0050] Both conditions are prerequisite for the proper functioning and working order of the measuring device. The measuring chamber's outer wall has a tubular design.

[0051] In contrast to FIG. 7, FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 demonstrate that sensors are not necessarily to be of a shell-like design. According to FIG. 10, several sensors (16) are arranged on the perimeter. From a bird's view, the latter are designed as ring segments.

[0052] The ring segments' faces, being the sensors as such, are marked with position reference 24. To implement the measuring procedure, e.g. for nullification, these additional sensors may be very useful.

[0053] In addition, further reference should be made to the following variations of the sensors (16):

[0054] As dust measuring relies on the charge exchanged between sensor and dust particles, sensors (16) may be of alternative design, such as hollow cylinder, round rod, trapezoidal section or square bar, with such sensors being arranged on the inward perimeter of the tubular triboelectrical measuring chamber (5) or in a central position. For details, reference is made to FIG. 11.

[0055] The sensors (1.6) may be either metallic conductive or provided with a specific coating, and they can be connected with equal or different potential.

[0056] The triboelectric signals must be read out and transmitted to further processing. Appropriate electric cabling is provided in the ducts (25).

[0057] The triboelectric effect occurs when the dust-laden gas stream (23) cyclones through the measuring chamber (15), with the dust particles rubbing across the sensors (16). The tangential admission direction of the gas stream (23) and its cyclone-like movement is basically the same as found in rotary separators. According to the invention, however, cycloning is used to implement a completely novel proposal, namely the amplification of the triboelectric effect for dust measurements. This will make possible measurements even at lower dust concentration levels.

[0058] Adjusting the signal level is also possible through the size and the design of the sensors selected.

[0059] Further advantageous impacts on the signal level may be achieved, for example, by coating the sensors with low-impedance PTFE.

[0060] Finally, reference should be made to further variations of the sensors and how they are arranged inside the measuring chamber. As can be seen from FIG. 12, sensors may be located also in a central position so that, besides tangential flow conditions, even centrical flow conditions can be realized after the speed has been increased in advance. FIG. 12 depicts examples of vertical and horizontal layouts of the triboelectrical measuring chamber.

[0061] A redundant sensor layout enables hardware self-checks as to the uniform generation of the triboelectric signals. This may have a positive influence, for example on the quality of measurements.

List of Reference Numbers

[0062]1 hook-shaped probe

[0063]2 probe for sampling measuring gas

[0064]3 probe heating device (regulated)

[0065]4 multi-way spherical valve for implementing back-flush operation

[0066]5 triboelectrical measuring chamber

[0067]6 temperature measuring device

[0068]7 injector

[0069]8 gas outlet

[0070]9 power air blower for injector

[0071]10 flushing air blower

[0072]11 suction filter

[0073]12 suction filter

[0074]13 flange on flue duct

[0075]14 proportioning nozzle

[0076]15 specific chamber with intermittent temperature regime

[0077]16 sensor

[0078]17 outer wall of measuring chamber

[0079]18 insulating layer

[0080]19 intake cylinder

[0081]20 intake piece

[0082]21 outlet cylinder

[0083]22 outlet piece

[0084]23 gas stream laden with dust particles

[0085]24 sensor seen from a bird's view (designed as a ring segment)

[0086]25 ducts for electric cabling

[0087]26 distances between sensors 

1) Method for the extractive triboelectric measurement of dust and aerosols in streaming gases where a partial stream is branched off from the dust-laden main gas stream, characterized in that said partial gas stream enters through an intake cylinder (19) a tube-shaped triboelectrical measuring chamber (5) equipped with sensors (16), the gas stream is moved across the sensors (16) and thereby causes the dust and aerosol particles contained in the latter being rubbing against said sensors (16), in which a charge exchange is generated, after which the gas stream exits through an outlet piece (22) from the triboelectrical measuring chamber (5). 2) Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the velocity and the temperature of the gas stream (23) flowing through the triboelectrical measuring chamber is varied or kept constant. 3) Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a charge is read out from the sensors (16). 4) Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the partial gas stream enters the triboelectrical measuring chamber in tangential direction through an intake cylinder (19), after which said partial gas stream is forced into a cyclone-like motion across the sensors (16) causing rubbing effects to the latter. 5) Method according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that before the partial gas stream enters the triboelectrical measuring chamber (5) the full range of aerosols is evaporated by increasing the temperature in such a way that nothing else than dust particles are detected, after which the temperature is decreased to such a level at which no aerosols are evaporated any more, and the aerosol concentration can be determined from the difference between the signals read out for “dust alone” and for “aerosols plus dust”. 6) Method according to claim 1, 2 and 5, characterized in that an intermittent temperature regime is implemented for determining the aerosol concentration. 7) Method according to claim 1, characterized in that right after the partial gas stream is branched-off from the gas main stream dilution with a diluent air stream is effected by using a proportioning nozzle (14), after which the mixture, having now a definite temperature, flows into the triboelectrical measuring chamber (5). 8) Device for the extractive triboelectric measurement of dust and aerosols in streaming gases, characterized in that sensors (16) are placed inside a tubular triboelectrical measuring chamber (5), where between sensors (16) and the tubular measuring chamber's (5) outer wall (17) there is an insulating layer (18) that—like a concentrically arranged hollow cylinder completely surrounds the sensors (16), and where at the measuring chamber's (15) upper end an intake piece (20) is connected to an intake cylinder (19), whereat at the measuring chamber's (15) lower end an outlet piece (22) is connected to an outlet cylinder (21), and where both the outlet cylinder (21) and the intake cylinder (19) have no electric contact to the sensors (16). 9) Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensors (16) are coated with low-impedance PTFE. 10) Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensors (16) inside the tubular triboelectrical measuring chamber (5) are of a shell-like design. 11) Device according to claim 8, characterized in that more than two sensors (16) are placed inside the tubular triboelectrical measuring chamber (15), with these sensors (16), seen from a bird's view, constituting segments (24) of a circular ring but spaced in such distances as to prevent any electric contacts. 12) Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensors (16) are of different geometrical patterns specifically designed for vertical and horizontal flow conditions. 13) Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the intake piece (20) is attached in tangential direction to the intake cylinder (19). 14) Device according to claim 8, characterized in that a triboelectrical measuring chamber (5) is arranged either inside or outside the gas main stream. 15) Device according to claim 8, characterized in that a regulated probe heating device (3) is arranged around the specific chamber with intermittent temperature regime (15), a proportioning nozzle (14) for diluent air is situated inside the probe for sampling measuring gas (2), a multi-way spherical valve (4) for implementing back-flush operation by using a power air blower (9) is arranged between sampling probe (2) and triboelectrical measuring chamber (5), and an injector (7) is placed downstream the triboelectrical measuring chamber (5) in such a way that the gas stream (23) is sucked through the measuring chamber (5). 